Organization of D2L Content and Student Learning

Lakshmaiah (Ram) SreeramaDepartment of Chemistry and Physics

Course Management Systems• Many years ago: SCSU used Web-CT• Switched to D2L - because of MnSCU system

wide contract with D2L.– Transition was challenging but inevitable– Organizing the content on D2L initially was a

challenge, confusing and did not know how to go about.

– Got conflicting answers – I was not a technology specialist.

• Over the years - invested a lot of time to learn– I am still learning

Challenge(s): Focused on Content Delivery

• Traditional Classroom (lecture/discussion)– The average instructor speaks 120 words/min– The average student writes 20 words/min

• Challenge(s) faced by students– The student has to decide between listening or taking

notes. • One possible solution: Provide access to content

online– Engage students - discussion/problem solving.– Students listening more intently will retain more – thus

improve course performance.

D2L Modular Content

• Modular Guide• Recorded lectures• Lecture notes in several formats– Single slides– Multiple sides/page– Study guide/module– Solved problems where and when possible

• Study Guides

Develop Best Practices for your Discipline

• Go to Conferences and attend– Course management seminars; – Vendor seminar/Webinars– Ask your friends and colleagues– Ask your students – Read educational technology news letters and

papers– Discipline specific education journals

D2L Modular Content

D2L Modular Content

Modular Guide

Modular Guide

D2L Modular Content

Click on the following link below to listen to Chapter1 lecture presentation by Dr. Sreerama. The lecture is delivered in a streaming audio/video format. Please note it will take a few minutes to synchronize the lectures to your viewing. Be aware that if you are using a dial-up modem, it may take longer time to load or may not load at all.

Lecture Links:Chapter 1 part 1 : http://media4.stcloudstate.edu/p55003521/

Chapter 1 part 2: http://media4.stcloudstate.edu/p82236244/

New organization: Content by Topic

D2L Modular Content

D2L Modular Content

D2L Modular Content

Student Learning Success

• Students come better prepared for the class.– At the least they bring the printed notes with

them.• Quiz and assignment scores – Increased

between 20-40%• Exam scores higher– Class average gone from 60% to 70%– Better performance on standardized exams (ACS

exams in chemistry)

Best Practices I have used

• Choose a simple presentation format: – Will meet your requirements– Make sure it is in your comfort zone– Keep it simple

• Don’t assume drop in classroom attendance– Instructors speak about 120 words/min– Students write 20 words/min

Best Practices I have used• Talk to your colleagues in the discipline– Don’t be discouraged by negative advise– Remember you want to do this for your students’

success• Get two things right:– Have your faculty colleagues review your work

especially your lectures.– Listen to your own recorded lectures and review

your work.• Listen to student feedback

Best Practices I have used• Be aware of privacy issues– If you are capturing live classes you may want to let

the students know (they may not want to be seen in your video).

• Be aware of the intellectual property rights and policies– You will post your material on the server.– You will be using university resources to create

materials• A Quick Route to the Flipped Classroom

Lecture Capture Technologies Used• Mediacite

– Live access class remotely – Restricted to certain class rooms on campus; editing your videos is a

challenge

• Adobe Connect: – Could be used in any classroom and remotely– Live access to your class remotely– Synchronization of voice and illustrations problematic; Editing your

videos is a challenge

• Camtasia Studio:– Desktop screen capture– Live access to class is not possible– User friendly and Editing is very simple– Excellent for Flipped classrooms and pre-recorded videos.

Questions?